P.O. Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024 USA Phone: 831-637-8527 E-mail
© 2002-2012 Shearwater Journeys
Welcome aboard! Shearwater Journeys has offered quality pelagic trips off the coast of
California since 1976. Many records, new to both North America and California, have been
discovered on these fine pelagic trips. You will be accompanied by several outstanding
leaders who have worldwide experience with seabirds and marine mammals. Whether you
are a seasoned seabirder, or a beginner, we invite you to join us in the thrill of ocean birding
which is unlike any other birding.
SPACE AVAILABLE ON TRIPS, UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
EXPEDITION TRAVEL - 2012 & 2013
Debi has chartered exclusive expeditions to the High Arctic. These voyages are limited to only 12 participants
and will be accompanied by Debi and Expedition Leader, Morten Joergensen. Expected
wildlife include: dovkie, ivory gull, Atlantic puffin, black-legged kittiwake, fulmar, polar
bear, walrus, beluga, Arctic fox.
Please contact Debi (USA Phone: 831-637-8527) as soon as possible for more
information, as these voyages will sell out early.
Jul. 8-18, 2012 SVALBARD: High Arctic Wildlife SOLD OUT
Jun 28-Jul 8, 2013 SVALBARD: High Arctic Wildlife- SOLD OUT
Jul 8-18, 2013 SVALBARD: High Arctic Wildlife- SPACE AVAILABLE
PLANNING YOUR TRIP: When traveling a long distance, is it usually best to try to book
more than one trip, especially during the fall season (late July through October). This is the
peak time of year. New to our program of trips in 2010, were our departures from Half
Moon Bay, south of San Francisco and close to San Jose. We expect these trips to sell out
early. The July 30, 31 and August 1 trips are the best bet for finding Cook's Petrels. Records
of other rarities on Half Moon Bay trips have included Short-tailed Albatross and White-
chinned Petrel. In 2010, as many as six species of storm-petrels were recorded on many fall
trips. North of San Francisco, our Bodega Bay trips have a long list of rarities. These trips
can often be combined with trips from other ports, including the August trips from Fort
Bragg. The single best place in North America to search for Hawaiian Petrel, and see it, is
Fort Bragg in August! Our single trip to the Farallon Islands has a 100% success rate for
finding the breeding Tufted Puffins, along with many other breeding seabirds. This trip
sells out, in advance, every year. Finally, our Monterey trips remain our "classic" pelagic
trips. Each year is different. Each season is different. More information, including past trip
reports, can be found on our web site and blog.
RESERVATIONS: Please reserve early to avoid disappointment. Your check or money
order will reserve your place on the trip. Please be sure to include your full name, address,
phone, cell phone and email, as well as the same for each person in your party. You will
receive a confirmation letter with the full trip details by snail mail.
LEADERS & VESSELS: Shearwater Journeys is very proud of the leaders who work with
our trips. We have consistently provided the highest quality leadership, along with the
highest leader to passenger ratio of any trips offered in North America. All vessels are U.S.
Coast Guard certified, licensed and inspected. All captains are qualified by the U.S. Coast
Guard and have been personally trained by Debi Shearwater.
FUEL COSTS: Our 2011 schedule was prepared in October 2010, months in advance of the
actual 2011 trips. Fuel was $75-80/barrel at that time. Today, February 24, 2011, it is at
$100/barrel. There is no way to predict what fuel prices will be months ahead. If the prices
remain high, there may be a fuel surcharge of $5-20 per person, collected at the dockside. It
is possible that the Bodega Bay vessel may rise in cost by $1000. If this happens, the
increase in price will be $33/per person, collected at the dockside. We regret this situation,
but California has the most expensive diesel fuel in the nation. For the record, we have not
charged a fuel surcharge for the past three years.
Schedule is also available in a calendar format.